ATLO 2021 IDEC COMPETITION

Mixed Use | Fall 2021 | Oklahoma City, OK | Group Project

Atlo translates to “weaving” in the Navajo language. Similar to yarn interlacing to create woven works of art, Atlo is dedicated to connect Navajo traditions, history, land, and unity within the community and the environment. Atlo is a mixed-use environment designed for two Navajo small business owners. They honor their ancestry with the textiles they create and use the sale of those textiles to share the history of their people. Bringing awareness to indigenous peoples of the Americas.

In this project, our team addressed the live work model in a sustainable way that also allows for migration as needed by the inhabitants. The live work shipping container consists of three shipping containers that serve as a dwelling and business location. While also addressing small space solutions, structural stability of the containers, transitions between the residential and commercial spaces, as well as antimicrobial measures, social distancing, and health-focused spaces.

Client Research

Navajo woven fabrics are produced on looms. Weaving typically requires at least one set of warp yarns that are kept taut on a loom and a means for the filling yarns to interlace with the warp yarns as they move horizontally from one side to the other. Plain weave, also known as a tabby weave, results from the most basic (over one yarn and under one yarn) interlacing of warp and filling yarns.

A plain weave is commonly used in Navajo textiles to create their woven art. We were inspired by the curvilinear image of the plain weave to design our logo for ATLO (which translates to weaving in the Navajo language). This idea also reflects the nature of ATLO, as it interlaces their Navajo culture not only within the community but is celebrated through the linear connection of the exterior and interior spaces.

Store Front

The Navajo Nation along with other indigenous groups has been disproportionately affected during Covid-19. With Native Americans being 3.5 times more likely to contract Covid-19. This is why the commercial space emphasizes physical distancing without compromising social connection. ATLO connects the Navajo culture to the community with safety measures in place. The location of the looms in the center of the floor help separate the space in order to encourage social distancing. The open glass storefront provides customers with the option to view the textiles from the courtyard in case the inside reaches capacity. The courtyard and garden provide another space where ATLO guests and the community can gather at a distance. Antimicrobial materials are being used more often in design to help control the spread of the coronavirus.

Residential Space

This colorful sliding glass wall creates privacy in the residential space. The design reflects that of one of Melissa Cody’s art works with a dynamic pattern and colorful stained glass. When opened, you are granted with a large ‘flex’ space that allows you, your friends and family to be able to spread out and gather in a comfortable way. The clients have social gathers weekly that include 4-10 guests and typically include dining. To accommodate up to twelve people eating together. The bench seating gives room for twelve guests to sit comfortably and interact with each other in a friendly matter. Everyone can enjoy the view from the flex space, into the front garden and enjoy one another’s company.